Yala
National Park, one of the first two national parks
in Sri-Lanka and also the most visited park, best known for its variety of wild
animals. Situated in the southeast region of Sri-Lanka, the park covers 979
square kilometers.
Yala is a safe haven for 215
bird species including six endemic species of Sri Lanka, and most importantly it
has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Including Sri-Lankan Elephant, Sri-Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri-Lankan Leopard, Wild Water Buffalo ( threatened species ), 44
species of mammals are resident in Yala National Park.
The area around Yala has hosted
several ancient civilizations. Two important pilgrim sites, Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vihara, are situated within the
park.
The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami caused severe
damage on the Yala National Park and 250 people died in its vicinity.
